In today’s NFL the running back position is arguably more important than it ever has been. Most teams are starting to adapt a two running back system, where their depth chart literally has two running backs that they consider to be starters.

If that doesn’t show you the importance of a running back right there than I don’t know what will.

Still, the league is populated with its fair share of stars in the backfield, and no matter how many guys you put behind them there could be no replacing these certain upper tier backs.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the top 25 running backs heading into the 2011 NFL season:

25. Marshawn Lynch

After coming over to the Seahawks, Lynch proved to be a huge spark plug for the young and inexperienced team. I believe he is going to come back even more determined to make a difference in Seattle, and I can all but guarantee you that Pete Carroll plans to use him effectively.

24. Fred Jackson

Fred Jackson is a big piece of the puzzle in Buffalo. The team is young and has obviously had their problems, but Jackson is the picture of consistency in the backfield. He’s got another good year in him.

23. Benjarvus Green-Ellis

Running backs in the New England system tend to be very productive, and even though Green-Ellis was sharing time with Danny Woodhead, he still put up some great numbers. I think another year in the system is going to make him even more dangerous, and we will see some good things out of him.

22. Rashard Mendenhall

The running game is always an integral part of Pittsburgh’s offense, and Mendenhall has shown that he can be the guy for the Steelers. He is a tough down-hill runner that can really do some damage once he gets rolling. I think he is going to have another stellar year.

21. LaDainian Tomlinson

Considering that most people thought that LaDainian Tomlinson was going to fall off the map as soon as he left San Diego, I’d say he had a pretty good year in 2010. He was also sharing time in the Jets backfield. I think LT has been rejuvenated.

20. Ahmad Bradshaw

Bradshaw is another guy that has been sharing time in the backfield, but I think that’s what makes him so good. Being the “lightning” for somebody else’s thunder seems to work very well for Bradshaw. He is a home run hitter, and I think he is going to have to have another good year for the Giants.

19. Ryan Mathews

Mathews came into San Diego with some very big shoes to fill. I think he may have felt the pressure a little bit in his first year. I think now that he is a bit more acclimated to his role he is going to have a breakout season in 2011.

18. Shonn Greene

I don’t think that there is any question that Greene is going to be the guy moving forward for the Jets. LT is still playing great, though, so the duel backfield is going to have to keep complimenting each other. I think Greene is going to step up and put himself on an equal plain with Tomlinson.

17. DeAngelo Williams

I think Williams is going to benefit from a full season ahead of him and the addition of Cam Newton to the Panthers. Williams has always been an explosive back, and I think he will compliment Newton very nicely.

16. LeGarrette Blount

With only 201 attempts and 13 games as a Buccaneer, Blount racked up some pretty good numbers. I think we are going to watch him bowl over people in 2011 as well. He could very well be the best young back in the NFL.

15. Frank Gore

Gore has suffered some major injuries in the past few years that have really hindered his production for the 49ers. I think this year is going to be a big bounce back year for Gore, especially with new coach Jim Harbaugh calling the plays.

14. Steven Jackson

Jackson is really going to benefit from Sam Bradford getting another year under his belt and all the help that they gave the young QB in the passing game. The Rams are going to be much more explosive through the air, which is going to give Jackson a lot of running room in 2011.

13. Jahvid Best

Best was severely hindered by turf toe in his rookie season, so I think he is going to bounce back very strong in 2011. He is as explosive as they come out of the backfield, and can be a threat in both the running and the passing game.

12. Matt Forte

Forte is such an integral part of the Bears offense. He is their main threat on the ground, but is also just as likely to make a big play catching the ball. The Bears need him to be consistent in 2011 and I think he is going to come up really big for them.

11. Peyton Hillis

Hillis is known for absolutely demolishing defenders on his way to the end zone. Along with being one of the most entertaining runners to watch, he is easily one of the better all-around backs in the NFL. Will the Madden curse affect this monster though?

10. James Starks

James Starks came on at the end of the year in a big way for the Green Bay Packers. He played huge in the playoffs, if only because he gave the Packers a constant running threat. Starks has a knack for always falling forward and getting the extra yards. He can also make a move or two in the open field. I’m excited to see what he can do during the course of a full season.

9. Maurice Jones-Drew

Jones-Drew has been one of the most consistent running backs in the NFL for years, but he has been on an almost irrelevant team down in Jacksonville. That being said, I think we will see another big year out of MJD.

8. Ray Rice

I think that Baltimore is going to be the class of the AFC this year, and Rice is going to have to play a huge part again. The Ravens went out and got some good pieces to supplement the offense in the draft; now all Rice has to do is make plays.

7. Michael Turner

Turner was one of the best backups in the league for years when he was in San Diego. Now, he’s one of the best backs in the league. When this guy starts rolling, you better get out of his way. I expect a huge year out of him on this dangerous Falcons offense.

6. Arian Foster

Foster had a breakout year last season with the Texans. I think 2011 is going to be even more important for the speedy back, and he will have to step up even more for Houston. His team can't afford to miss the playoffs.

5. Jamaal Charles

Charles is one of the most explosive backs in the league. He can beat you in a split second on the ground or in the passing game. If you see the back of his jersey you know it’s too late to catch him. I’m expecting him to be one of the best this season.

4. Adrian Peterson

Peterson had somewhat of an off year last year, and when you look at his stats that really says a lot because they are still pretty good. With a new quarterback, the Vikings are really going to look to AP.